Well, it’s almost the end of April and you know what that means. April showers are all around us. And speaking of showers, why not keep yours in top condition with the handy Shower Valve Socket Set from Harbor Freight Tools? With this outstanding wrench set, you can save money by handling repairs on your own without having to pay for a professional plumber. Best of all, this useful item is just $9.99!

Now, it’s not like you’re going to need to use this wrench set very often. Unlike most tools, the Shower Valve Socket Set serves the very specific purpose of removing fittings and nuts from showers and tubs. But, if you discover that you have a leak, isn’t it comforting to know that you can potentially take care of this problem on your own? Yeah, I know, getting behind the faucet can seem a little intimidating but once you understand what’s involved, you’ll be amazed at how simple it can be.

Most faucet plates come right off with the use of an everyday screwdriver. At the most, you may need to pry off a cover to get at the screw but most designs have the screws right in the open so there’s no screwing around. After you have the faucet handle removed, you’ve reached the point where most home owners would be stymied. But, lucky you, you’ve got the Shower Valve Socket Set from Harbor Freight. Using one of the five double-sided sockets and the included turning bar, removing the valve stem is a piece of cake.

From there, the cause of your leak could be a couple of things. Maybe a damaged washer that needs to be replaced or even a worn stem valve. But the hardest part of removing the valve is already taken care of and you can get to the root of the problem often with no further assistance. This shower valve socket wrench set is extra-long to reach deep and get to those hard-to-reach valve stems, fittings and nuts and accommodates most jobs. Plus, with a zinc-plated steel construction, these suckers are built to last. For the do-it-yourselfers out there, this tool is a must-have!

So while you can’t control the precipitation outside, you can be in full control of your bathtub or shower with this great set. Whether it’s a leaky faucet, a damaged part that needs replacing or even if you’re just installing something new, the Shower Valve Wrench Socket Set pays for itself with a single use! And don’t forget, if you include a Harbor Freight 20% Off coupon, you save even more!

Congratulations on purchasing your new One Stop Gardens 10’ x 12’ Greenhouse! Growing vegetables, cultivating flowers or starting your botany experiment is now close at hand but did you know that you can get even more out of your greenhouse with some extra time, materials and patience? I recently came across a great article that highlights a few ways to expand your greenhouse in ways that you might not otherwise think of at http://hfgh10x12.blogspot.com/2007/08/this-is-greenhouse-we-bought-link-it.html. Let’s take a look at how you can take your greenhouse to the next level with just a few adjustments.

The greenhouse kit comes with a steel base that you would generally just place on the ground. The author of this article explains how to add some extra stability to your greenhouse in order to resist any weather conditions you may encounter like strong winds and heavy rain. “The popular solution is to build a wooden foundation, anchor it into the ground somehow, and mount the steel base on top,” she says. “Everyone finds their own way to do this, but most use at least 4 x 4 sized timbers for the base.”

You’ll also want to add a couple of diagonal beams at each corner before mounting the greenhouse base itself. With your greenhouse secured to a foundation, you can keep the base square and tight for years to come. And once you’ve got the steel base mounted to the wooden foundation, just apply some clear silicone caulk between the wood and the base to keep rain water from seeping in. In order to maintain the integrity of you greenhouse, you’ll need to plan for all types of unforeseen weather and environmental conditions. You can choose from a few different caulks on Harbor Freight’s website too, from Painter’s Acrylic Latex Caulk to Acrylic Latex Caulk plus Silicone.

Now you’re ready to start putting up the walls of your greenhouse. The article has a little tip to keep your frame and posts straight during construction as well. “As you put the corner posts up, temporarily attach the [included] diagonal braces for stability.” You’ll have to remove them before moving on to the next step but this way you can work with a bit more peace of mind and keep the aluminum frame straight and accurate until you add the vertical wall studs. It’s a good idea to check that the base is still square before moving on and make any necessary adjustments. It’s much easier to make minor adjustments as you go rather than a big one later.

Once you’ve got the greenhouse frame constructed, there are a few things you can do to upgrade it for stability in windier areas. The article advises to add horizontal braces at the tops of the walls to prevent the side walls from pulling away from each other. You can do the same for the front and back walls. Just attach a solid piece of material all the way across each wall to reinforce the structure and keep the elements from potentially warping the frame. The author explains how you can also keep the steel base from flexing: “This can be done by bolting small plates of some type to the top and bottom lip of the base at regular intervals, or by covering the inside of the base entirely with wood that’s also attached to the top and bottom lip of the base.”

It’s also easy at this point to add insulation to your frame, she continues. “We used ¾” thick expanded polystyrene (styrofoam) insulation, cut into strips about 4 ¼” wide. We also stuffed some foam sill insulation in there first to remove as many air pockets as possible.” You can protect that insulation and further reinforce the base by attaching boards with screws to the top and bottom lips of the base. As the author says, “Now the base is insulated and stiffened by the attached board…and it looks a little dressier, too.”

Well, at this point, you’ve got yourself an extra strong frame of a greenhouse and you’re ready to move on to inserting the panels. The author of the article sealed the ends of each panel with aluminum tape to help keep dirt, condensation and bugs out. “I bought one roll of 1 ½” wide aluminum tape (not duct tape) and cut it into thirds, so I only have a small taped rim visible on the panels. On the bottom edge, it’s apparently good to have small holes in the tape to allow moisture to escape. You can buy special breathable tape from greenhouse supply websites for this purpose, but others have mentioned using a large pin to poke holes in the tape in each chamber on the bottom edge of each panel.”

How about weather stripping? Well, the author has a suggestion for that as well. “Instead of caulk, I used 3/16” thick closed cell foam weather stripping in each panel opening. Closed cell foam is waterproof so rain can’t soak in.” The larger gaps on the tops and bottoms of each panel are also mentioned. “I found some packages of ¾” wide weather stripping. I used that, cutting each strip in half with scissors, so it was 3/8” wide. It worked fine and turned out to be a soft gray color that was hardly visible under the panels after installation.”

Okay! So now that you’ve gotten your greenhouse constructed and ready to withstand those heavy winds, you’re ready to add even more awesomeness! That’s right, there’s still more you can do to enhance the greenhouse to make it more attractive and convenient. The author added long benches to each side of her greenhouse along with several peninsula-style benches. “Each long side bench is supported by two pressure-treated 4x4s, buried 24″ deep and set in concrete. [Then] two horizontal Douglas Fir 4×4’s were clamped to either side of the two pressure treated posts. The horizontal 4×4’s were attached by using a 12″ long 3/8″ drill bit to drill a hole through all three 4×4’s. A length of 3/8″ all-threads rod was inserted in the hole and capped on each end with a washer and nut.” This addition will provide plenty of shelving space plus ample free space underneath for tools, equipment and supplies.

If you want to get really fancy, the author even added a sink to her greenhouse and explains how it can be used for added benefit. “The sink drain isn’t connected to our house plumbing. It drains into a gravel pit we dug in the floor, and the soil beneath the gravel is the coarse sand of our yard. Another option for the future would be to route the drain water through the wall of the greenhouse and outdoors to water a planting bed.”

Still want more enhancements to your bodacious greenhouse? The author of this article really decked hers out to include some pretty cool additions to improve functionality. She added electrical outlets with plastic covers to keep out moisture, Aluminet shade cloth screen panels to keep temperatures down and even an exhaust fan as a way to let air out. These are obviously more advanced enhancements but the possibilities are there for those willing to put in some extra work. And for those hoping to use their greenhouse continuously, they can be a real help, as the author states, “Without this fan I wouldn’t be able to keep plants in the greenhouse year round…our summers would be far too hot. With this fan in place, as well as some additional small fans for HAF (Horizontal Air Flow) and generous amounts of shade cloth, I’ll have a fighting chance.”

As you can see, getting your Harbor Freight greenhouse built is only the beginning of your journey and you’re limited only by your imagination! I don’t know about you but I would love to have benches, a sink, air conditioning and weather stripping in my little home garden. For anyone who wants to get serious about their plants and flowers without spending serious money, this is the way to do it.

April 23, 2013 – Harbor Freight Tools continues to grow with new tool stores across the country, providing great tools for low prices at convenient locations. New Harbor Freight locations are opening with unprecedented frequency– tough times be damned– and there’s no slowing down in sight! This Wednesday, April 24, at 8:00 a.m., the doors will swing wide at the newest Harbor Freight Tools location– this time in Indianapolis, IN!

“We’re thrilled to be opening the 11th Harbor Freight Tools store in Indiana and honored by the warm welcome that has been extended to us in the Indianapolis community” said Eric Smidt, President of Harbor Freight Tools. “At Harbor Freight, both Business and Do-It-Yourself customers always find quality tools at ridiculously low prices. In difficult economic times, they’re more cost-conscious than ever and we’re here to help. Our tools are made in the same factories as many of the high-priced famous brands, but we cut out the middleman and sell them at a fraction of the price.”

The Indianapolis store, located in the HH Gregg Shopping Center at 10101 E Washington St., Ste B, will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:00am, hosted by The Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce.

“Harbor Freight Tools is a staple in communities across the nation and the Indy Chamber is proud to be a part of this expansion in Indianapolis,” said Scott Miller, Indy Chamber president and CEO. “Helping businesses thrive in our community is our business and we welcome Harbor Freight Tools to this new location and wish them much success for years to come.”

Harbor Freight Tools is a popular favorite of contractors, government agencies, schools, fundraisers, and industrial and auto shops, as well as tool enthusiasts and DIYers looking for deals on a good selection of tools.

The exciting Indy store grand opening celebration will feature huge discounts at up to 80% off. Come browse the enormous selection of quality tools and hardware, take advantage of the incredible specials, or just come by and say “hello!”

Greetings, Earth people. As I’m sure you’ve gathered from reminders ad nauseum, it’s Earth Day. It’s enough to make you miss those posture-oppressing Earth Shoes and splashing on some Coty Wild Musk. Let’s just be thankful there isn’t a steady stream of Earth Day carols (This Land Is Your Land… I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing… Also Sprach Zarathustra…) saturating the airwaves. But, in the spirit of Earth Day, I want to tell you about this nifty gizmo available at Harbor Freight, that will make the Earth, your inner-hippie, and your HOA much happier.

Self-Igniting Propane Torch

For surgical, non-chemical obliteration of noxious weeds, I submit to you the Harbor Freight Propane Torch With Push Button Igniter, SKU #91037. Propane is nature’s own weed killer and this self-igniting torch is perfect for decimating an entire alien race. Outfitted with a long 6-ft, 8-in. hose (350 PSI) and a wand finished with a flow valve and turbo-blast trigger, this is all you need to burn weeds and stumps, soften asphalt and melt ice. The intensity of the flame is such that a couple of passes over weeds leaves little surface debris, and looks almost “swept” clean. It’s also a great tool for spot-edging in the garden, preheating metal for welding, melting aluminum, taking out killer bee nests and fire ant hills, and starting the BBQ, smoker or campfire, The torch is fitted with a Piezo electric ignition for safe, matchless starts, and comes with two open-end wrenches for easy hook up to a standard-size propane tank. At only $29.99, this multipurpose wonder is a great deal! Check out the customer reviews and you’ll see I’m not just blowing smoke up your terra firma.

Propane Torch

If the turbo-blast component or self-igniting feature (not to mention the additional ten bucks) seem like more than you need, consider Harbor Freight’s other Propane Torch, SKU #91033, selling for $19.99. As with the other torch, this baby burns weeds, melts snow & ice, removes paint from non-flammable surfaces and more! Again, no need to use chemicals or back-breaking shoveling and pulling– and the weeds won’t grow back. Generating temperatures over 3,000 degrees F, this a great propane torch for jobs around the home that require a small, powerful flame. Go from pouring the coals to meat on the grill in less than 5 minutes–no paper or lighter fluid or nursing a fire to life! Remove vinyl flooring, trim the edges of your putting green, shrink wrap your boat, improvise a steel forge with it, use it on a metal spinner, incinerate brush and more.

Either product will thrill your green thumb and/or inner-kid to no end, and will pay for itself in no time! In fact, you’ll have no problem recruiting friends to come help you save the planet. Don’t forget to clip your Harbor Freight 20% Off coupon before making your purchase!

April is National Welding Month. This is a really special time. It’s when grown men convene to talk openly about “bird poop,” “fish eyes” and “wetting out”– and arguing about who’s more “golden from the shoulder to the holder.” One cannot help but be drawn to such stout-hearted bonding… which is why it’s a great time to take advantage of the welding supply deals currently running at Harbor Freight Tools.

Like, for example, the Chicago Electric 90 Amp Flux Wire Welder. A sweet acquisition for those looking to get into welding without dropping a big chunk o’ change– now, for a limited time, only $99.99 with coupon! Build or repair a boat trailer, create an anchor, a 55-gal drum BBQ, a bullet catcher box for a .22… fix an ATV snow plow skid plate or broken exhaust pipe… do some light body work or make a trellis for the garden– this baby won’t quit! And it will pay for itself in no time!

This 90-amp flux core arc welder’s got the functionality of a MIG welder without the hassle of using gas. Rather, it’s designed to use self-shielding flux-cored welding wire, which means set-up and use are easy. It comes with variable speed wire control, thermal overload protection and works on a myriad of metals (excluding aluminum and stainless steel).

And while you’re pulling together your welding equipment, make sure you pick up a Chicago Electric MIG – Flux Welding Cart. This is a favorite among HFT customers, and it’ll take no time for you to become a member of the fan club. First of all, Harbor Freight’s welding cart is nearly identical to others on the market that sell for a whole lot more. Conservatively rated at 100 lbs., this cart will handle your welder and gear with agility and smooth maneuverability on your shop floor. A tilted top shelf provides easy access to the controls, and the bottom shelf gives you a lot of storage space. This welding cart features a heavy-duty steel construction, and a powder coat finish for ultra durability, making it perfect for novice and pro welder alike– and this month it’s on sale for only $39.99 with coupon!

This lightweight and sturdy welder’s helmet features a superior auto-darkening mask lens that makes operating your arc, MIG or TIG welding safe and clear. Plus, that auto-darkening lens measures a generous 3-7/8″ x 1-5/8″ wide to give you a full view of your work. It comes with a ratcheting helmet headband and padded interior for a comfortable fit, and as I said, the cool design will make you want to hum the Mission:Impossible theme every time you stoke up the welder.

You’ll be amazed at how fast it darkens and lightens. You can weld, chip slag and grind without ever touching your helmet, or take it off and put goggles on. And now, for a limited time, you can pick up one of these most excellent welding helmets for only $39.99 with coupon! That’s a deal at twice the price!

Finally, if you’re an armchair hobbyist, or only anticipate the occasional cutting or welding jobs, I submit to you one of the welder’s favorite tools– the Chicago Electric Oxygen And Acetylene Welding Kit. Here’s a complete welding kit that handles a broad range of cutting, welding and heating applications. The kit comes complete with oxygen and acetylene hoses, welding nozzle, cutting tip, cutting attachment, goggles, torch handle with built-in flashback arrestors and check valves, tip cleaners and striker– all packed in a heavy-duty storage case! With this kit you can be nearly prepared for everything. This is a PERFECT GIFT for that welder in your circle– versatile, portable AND affordable at only $129.99!

Celebrate National Welding Month with these and other great welding supply buys at Harbor Freight Tools!

If there was a category for “Single-Most-Loved Product” at Harbor Freight Tools, the US General tool cabinets and carts would probably be in a tight group, a length ahead of all the others. Be it the insanely popular 44″ 13-Drawer Tool Cabinet, the mammoth 56″ 11-Drawer Industrial Rolling Cabinet or the economical, yet rugged, 4-Drawer Tool Cart, the US General tool chests have amassed a ton of rave reviews– both for the quality and the value.

Which is why it’s no surprise to see the way-thumbs-up review of the 700-lb. Capacity 5-Drawer Tool Cart in the May 2013 issue of Hot Bike (this issue can be found in magazine stands but is not, as of this writing, online). Same beautiful fire-engine red as the other models, the rugged all-steel, 5-drawer tool cart is the ideal choice for the wrencher with just enough– but not too many– tools. As pointed out by Hot Bike writer, Jeff G. Holt, in the Used and Abused column:

“This all-steel 120-pound tool cart is a great place to store a myriad of tools for not a lot of money. This bright-red powder-coated rollaway is constructed (of) 14-gauge steel and can hold up to 700 pounds worth of stuff.”

Jeff wasn’t a pushover for just any pretty face, though. He put the baby to work immediately.

“Sure, that is all well and good, but for a cabinet such as this, with a rather low price tag, I was worried about things like the drawers opening smoothly and other quality-related issues. Once I freed it from its shipping box, I assembled it (it took less than a half hour) and loaded it full of my wayward tools and was able to put it to the test. The ball-bearing rails on each of the drawers worked smoothly and they even had a locking lever per drawer like only the carts costing three times the price usually possess. The key-controlled locking mechanism on the top of the cart also worked flawlessly, which is truly a feat for something of this price. When fully loaded, this cart rolled around freely due to the two fixed and two swiveling locking casters. It even did so on chunky asphalt.”

Sounds like a winner. But, how about down the road? Did the tool cart stand the test of time?

“After throwing tools in and out of the cart for almost a year now, I have been pretty impressed with the quality construction and ease of use. The only problem I am currently having with it is that I am running out of room and I’ll need to switch to a larger storage system. If you are looking for a rolling workstation such as this, don’t let the low price keep you away, buy this and save a couple hundred dollars over the competition.”

A larger storage system? Harbor Freight can do that. Or, how about just getting a second tried-and-true 5-drawer tool cart? You can find the 700-lb.Capacity 5-Drawer Tool Cart at your local Harbor Freight, or online, for a low $199.99– or $169.99 with coupon! Girls on Hot Bike magazine cover not included.

I can’t tell you how many times I heard that, growing up in New York. I’d come home after playing hard all day, burst in the door, oblivious to where I was walking.

“Ma, I’m home!”

“Aiii! My flaw! My flaw!”

“Hah? Wha? Ma?”

“My flaw! I jus’ mopped da flaw!!”

It was like being greeted by some big, exotic Bronx bird. And, of course we lived in an apartment, so you’d hear it coming from open windows all over the building.

“Ma!”

“Eeeek! Get awf da flaw!”

“Hah?”

“Da FLAW!!”

Not exactly The Waltons, but you embrace the memories you’re handed.

Too bad our Moms didn’t have the Chicago Electric 3-Speed Portable Blower from Harbor Freight. Their flaws would have been dry long before we showed up, and we would have been spared the tinnitus. The portable blower fan not only speeds up the drying of floors, carpets and paint jobs, it’s also great for blowing away heat, fumes, dust and odors. Durable and lightweight, it’s built for adjustable wind direction and comes with a convenient carry handle for easy transport.

Take a look at what people who’ve bought the powerful, little blower have to say:

“I use this for creating a breeze during hot summer times outside, or drying up the kitchen after mopping. This thing is small (I was a little scared that it would be under-powered) but it delivered great performance. I would compare it to those Lasko high-velocity blowers. This sucker blows as hard or even harder than that. The outlets on the side are perfect for connecting tools close to the blower to keep cool. This thing will out-blow any floor fans you can buy at Walmart. Great investment, been using for 3+ months every day for extended hours (overnight when I sleep) and it’s lasting.” Jae – Bakersfield, CA

“Not light weight. Very heavy construction. Squirrel cage fan. Very directional. When I want to dry something or blow air on me, this critter does not cause a room tornado. The power cord of course is metric but seems to be 12 or 14 gauge. I have connected at 1650 watt heater to the onboard receptacle when I lacked a suitable extension cord and after 8 hours of use the power cord and plug were cool. The unit puts out more air for its size than anything else I’ve ever owned. It has spent two years in the jungle area of México and survived. I cannot imagine the most expensive blower on the market as being better, size for size.” El Codo – Mexico

“This unit was bought to help circulate the air and cool the basement during the summer months. Works great, strong blower at 1/2 the price of national home centers blower can’t say anything negative about unit, if you need to dry out a wet basement or rooom or need to get air moving to help cool you in the summer this unit is the one for you.” Germpa1 – US

When you consider all of the uses for the 3 Speed Portable Blower, the more you realize what an excellent tool it is to have around– and for just $49.99 (not to mention using the 20% Off Coupon, bringing the price down to $39.99), there’s no excuse NOT to run over to Harbor Freight, or jump on the website, and get this blower now!

And if for no other reason, do it to stop tinnitus. For the kids, man.

Oh, what a difference a cool breeze makes! I think we’ve all experienced enough hot air (even when it’s not an election year) to know that buying a capable fan is NOT a no-brainer. Such disagreeable memories linger with us, and the recent unseasonably warm days are reminding us, it’s time to buy some fans! For the garage or shop… the porch and patio… maybe the loft.

Do yourself a favor and check out the Chicago Electric 30″ Pedestal Shop Fan. Its three settings –7400, 7430 and 7730 CFM– deliver strong currents of cool air; the fan tilts up to 75 degrees and the base can be adjusted from 62-3/4” to 85-1/2”, so air will go directly where you need it to.

But, like I always say, it’s not enough to just give in to fancy promises from slick copywriters. What are the customers around the country saying? Here are a few comments:

“I bought this fan for my AZ house, where it gets very hot. As a retired Fire Fighter, I use it for positive-pressure ventilation. I place it on the shady side of the house about 8′ from the door and blow the cool night air through the house. I run it for about 6 hours at a time, and it stays outside all year long. I have been using it for about 4 years now with no problems. Saves using the A/C for about 4 months out of the year.” Unclebob9 – Bullhead City, AZ

“Well it’s very hot in Tampa , the summer heat is no joke! You need a shop fan that will do the job, move air! Well this fan moves air in all three speeds. This is a must-have item in the shop for the long summer days. The product is well built and only takes 20. min. to build. I added 4 locking casters to the four pre-drilled holes in the base. This allows this beast to move around the floor just where you need it. 5 stars!” Harley Pete – Tampa, FL

“After reading all of the other reviews, I was skeptical about buying this fan, but have been dying in this SoCal heat. I unpacked all of the parts and realized assembly is pretty self-explanatory. I did not need the directions and only used 3 tools (a Phillips head screwdriver, an 8 mm wrench, and a 10 mm wrench). I had it together in about 10 minutes, plugged it in, turned it on, and wow! I am a mechanic and it has been getting up to 99 degrees in the shop these past few weeks, but this fan makes it bearable, easily dropping the temp 10 to 15 degrees (in front of the fan of course). I have the fan placed about 15 feet away and turned on high and it has enough power to keep my shirt flapping in the wind. We have 3 fans in my shop; a 36″ floor barrel-type, a 24″ pedestal-type, and mine. Mine is the second loudest, but blows the most air. All in all, I’m EXTREMELY glad I bought this fan.” VW Mechanic – Paramount, CA

So, it only goes to show, at the BLOWout price of $139.99, the 30″ pedestal shop fan at Harbor Freight BLOWS the competition in value. Don’t BLOW the opportunity to get one– or more– for your shop or garage, or you will WIND up regretting it (much as I will these pathetic stabs at humor).

If you’re not in the market for a pedestal fan, Harbor Freight also has the gusty Chicago Electric 24″ Shop Floor Fan. This high-power work horse provides massive air flow for ventilating large areas, drying carpets, flooded basements or paint jobs, or removing chemical fumes quickly. It’s also perfect for outdoor parties or gatherings around the patio. This industrial-grade unit comes with low and high settings, thermal-overload protection and two carry handles for easy portability. At the low price of $129.99, it’s a great addition to any work area.

And, as with the pedestal fan, the comments say it all:

“I have a 24-inch Global Industrial blower fan. When I found out Harbor Freight was selling this fan, I went to check it out. Wow! This fan is same in every detail except for the stand.You can pay more, but you can not buy a better fan anywhere, I know this. They low-ball this fan in output, too. It’s lot higher, folks. Commercial grade? More like industrial grade.” Cold Breeze – San Diego, CA

“This is a great little item for a party or even for your work. For this size, it delivers a great amount of air. I love it. Compact and light, great to take to your workplace.” TNSHP – US

“Used in a flooded basement– worked real good moving the air.” Kenny, Wichita, KS

On your next trip to Harbor Freight, check out the shop fans– as well as their other terrific deals– and don’t forget to bring along your 20% Off Coupon!

When it comes to riding your motorcycle, it’s not enough that it just runs good– you gotta look good. So make sure you check out Super Streetbike’s April 2013 issue (no, not the cover, lug nut– I’m talking about YOU looking good).

On page 58 there’s a nifty article on “Helmet Painting”– a cool, inexpensive way to self-express on the road. But, as writer Brian Hatano points out, you need more than a creative idea to get your point across; it takes technique. So, he takes you through every step you probably don’t think about when imagining that wicked skull with flames and roses… namely,preparation, detail, method and materials. To get the hang of the spray gun skills, though, Brian suggests we first get the feel of it with a practice helmet:

“For practice jobs, any helmet will work, but starting with a lid in good condition will require less initial prep and give you more time to think about designs and color combinations.”

He then breaks down the process of executing a successful paint job– from disassembling the helmet to applying the clear coat– in crystal, concise detail. Great intel to have for when you’re ready to go for it.

“Although we had a full size compressor available, we tried out the Harbor Freight Central Pneumatic 1/5th HP Airbrush Compressor and it performed better than units costing twice as much. Zac noted the quiet motor with no pulsing in the air supply.”

Constructed of sturdy anodized aluminum, the airbrush compressor is easy to clean and operate, and changing colors is a cinch. The airbrush kit works with lacquers, oils and latex-based paints to create pro-quality designs only limited by your imagination! It comes with a 22cc glass jar, 5cc metal cop and 5-ft. air hose– and, at a low $88.99, it’ll pay for itself over and over again!